Part of the important work being done at DW Akademie is centered on raising standards of press freedom, especially in developing countries around the world. Recently, DW Akademie released a digital innovation study that analyses how digital technology can be used to improve and advance freedom of expression as understood under Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

With emphasis on the “Global South” the study looks at how fundamental functions of media, such as creating a public sphere and holding power to account, have been transformed by digital technology. It identifies a shift in focus from traditional media institutions onto civil society actors and determined individuals that are now taking the lead in promoting freedom of expression in developing countries. This is a central issue for creating media development strategies.

Contributing to this is the South2South manifesto developed by DW Akademie and IAJ in South Africa that outlines a set of principles that can be used as a guide for individuals, groups and institutions in forming a sustainable and effective media landscape.

The Media Freedom Navigator from DW Akademie is an easy-to-use reference tool that visually demonstrates how media development, press freedom and human rights intersect. It includes a media sustainability index, a media barometer, media development indicators and human development indexes along with references and learning tools that improve understanding of these important issues.

These free resources provided by DW Akademie provide a valuable service to everyone who seeks to understand more about the indispensable role media play in fostering social development.

This year, DW Akademie is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s an institution that has grown immensely since that first training program for radio technicians in Rwanda. It has steadily expanded its work promoting press freedom, freedom of expression and media development. But the game has changed over the past five decades. Information can now reach every corner of the world, which is why media development has taken center stage in development policy. DW Akademiie is meeting these challenges with an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. They work on political frameworks in consultation with government authorities and NGOs, for example, and advise journalists and the media on developing new business models to assure their financial independence. Today, DW Akademie works in 50 countries around the world, with sustainably designed programs and clearly defined aims.